Here are three possible successors to Seamus Coleman at Everton.
Everton signed Seamus Coleman in 2009 for £63k. Terming it as money well spent is an understatement. Coleman has been a tower of strength and a mainstay in the Everton team ever since. The Irishman and Leighton Baines forged a dangerous and highly productive partnership as opposite flank full backs, carrying the team through thick and thin.
Last season, when Coleman’s partner in crime, Baines, hanged his boots, it came as a shocking reminder that the Irishman too will need to be replaced at some point. One of the most loyal servers to the Royal Blues, Coleman is on the wrong side of thirty and entering the twilight of his career.
Lucas Digne was signed right in time to take over the mantle from Baines and be a successful heir to the throne of the left back. Things are not the same for Coleman. The Toffees do realize that the captain cannot go on and on forever and sooner or later will need to be replaced from the starting lineup. The Toffees had high hopes from Jonjoe Kenny after his fruitful exploits at Schalke last season.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has not completely trusted him which was very evident by the team selection when Coleman was injured. Instead of deploying a natural right back in the form of Kenny, the Italian manager chose Mason Holgate for the role. Earlier in the season, Ben Godfrey got the nod ahead of Kenny, hinting that Kenny still remains a developing player and may not be the right player to succeed Coleman.
The 31 year old is not going to call the curtains on his illustrious career tomorrow but his legs are running out of juice and the club hierarchy needs to think about the future. With Kenny not being the obvious choice, Everton may look into the market to find an able successor to Coleman.
Max Aarons is wanted by a number of teams.
Max Aarons (Norwich City)
The first and foremost candidate is Max Aarons of Norwich City. Everton have been linked to the young and galloping right back a couple of times with reports stating that the Toffees continue to keep an eye on the Englishman.
Last season, Aarons’ performances were a stark contrast to how Norwich’s season unwinded. While the Canaries endured a long, draining and suffering Premier League campaign that saw them get relegated back to the Championship, some individual performances stood out. The 20 year old was one of Norwich’s breakout stars.
The explosive right back was one of the most used players in the Top Flight for Norwich as he clocked 3240 minutes, playing each and every moment of the 36 games he started. Aarons may not have eye-catching stats to portray his attacking nature but is surely one of the best in business out there at his age.
The Norwich player is an extremely calm and composed player on the ball and is rarely hurried or forced into making wrong decisions. Speaking from an attacking point of view because that is a pre-requisite of the modern day full backs, he is known for his signature runs deep from his box to the opposite half, steaming at the speed of a Ferrari, helping the team transition from defence into a quick attack.
From a defensive point of view, he defends quite well in one-on-one situations and uses his pace to cover a lot of ground in case there’s a break for the opponents. However, his traits are most suited to the team that employ an expansive and aggressive style of play and are constantly looking to create chances.
At 20, he has time on his side to polish his weaknesses and further strengthen his overall play. He could be the best Ancelotti could ask for but a horde of clubs want Aarons hence, Everton may need to move quickly.
Emerson has been a target for Everton previously.
Emerson (Barcelona)
Emerson is another full back with terrifying pace but added with power. Hailing from Brazil, Emerson has been likened to Dani Alves who himself was an iconic right back at Barcelona. The 21 year old currently plies his trade at Real Betis and will remain with Los Verdiblancos until next summer as Betis co-own him.
Barcelona signed Sergino Dest and have Sergi Roberto as a backup, leaving Blaugrana with a decision to make over Emerson. The Brazilian is a hot prospect in the European market and could ease the Spanish giants from a financial crisis should a sale take place.
Emerson has also been linked with the Toffees and provides a strong case for consideration. The Premier League is fast, animal and unforgiving, especially for the defenders. The typical Brazilian blood running in his veins makes him a player who could thrive in such situations.
The 21 year old is ever-ready to run forward and be a headache to the opponents on the right flank. With speed, he also possesses the quality for accurate, pinpoint passing which was one of the main reasons why Barcelona got interested in him in first place.
Emerson combines very well with his teammates and builds a short network of passing, participating in building the attack from the back. He also has an eye for goal. Another point to take into account is that Everton and Barcelona have a good business relationship which could be very useful during the times of negotiations.
Currently, on loan at AC Milan, Diogo Dalot is unwanted at Manchester United.
Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
This one is probably the least favourite of the three options but can be viewed as a possible candidate for Coleman’s successor. Diogo Dalot is currently on loan at AC Milan but has not been the first choice for Stefano Pioli. The Milan boss prefers Davide Calabria over Dalot and there are no signs over a potential permanent transfer.
Dalot has more adversaries to face should he return to Manchester United. The Portuguese was said to have no future at Old Trafford despite the Red Devils lacking depth in the right back department. In fact, the Red Devils are looking at options in the market themselves to bring a backup to Aaron Van-Bissaka.
So, Dalot could be on the hunt for a new club and Everton could ponder on a transfer for the 21 year old. When Manchester United signed him from Porto for £19 million, it was seen as a huge coup considering the reservoir of potential he had. Sadly, he never had a fair shot at demonstrating his potential at Old Trafford, hampered by injuries and squad decisions.
Dalot is versatile enough to play on either flank as a full back and offers different qualities while playing on either flank. When talking about his natural right back position, he is a much more courageous player and takes on opponents in one-on-one situations. He does have a commendable work rate as he is willing to participate in every attack as well as cover in defence, which is required in a modern day full back role.
Everton’s search for a right back must begin immediately with a time frame set before it becomes too late. Bringing a potential right back soon will give the player enough time and opportunity to settle into the squad. Coleman can also counsel his heir and help ease the transition.